Transcript Document

Future Networks Dissemination Event
Questions and Answers
10th
A dissemination event was held on the
of October detailing the projects SPEN are investing in for
network development. As part of this session the attendees had the opportunity to ask questions
digitally which we were able to capture. This document addresses all of the questions asked.
Does Ruabon have a P26 derogation?
No, Ruabon is part of a group configuration which allows the over loading of the transformer to be picked up within the wider group in a
fault scenario. We have sufficient capacity within the wider group and it is having better access to this capacity which we are trying to
achieve through Flexible Networks.
Does smart grid need to be centralised?
A Smart Grid can be managed using both centralised and de-centralised logical control. However for the purposes of network fault
management having a centralised system allows greater flexibility for customer restoration.
How did BRE chose non domestic types?
At stage 1, the non-domestic building types were inferred from the existing information available within SPEN's connection lists i.e.
'customer name', 'site name' or 'notes'. For stage 2 (i.e. in depth analysis by individual sub-stations) these assumptions and any unknown
connections were verified by means of a virtual survey (i.e. Google street view).
Should DNOs pay for customers EE devices?
Energy efficient devices are unlikely to be an enduring solution and therefore we believe DNOs are unlikely to have an enduring business
case for funding energy efficiency. Flexible Networks is trying to quantify the benefit of energy efficiency measures and a wide range of
funding is already in place for this such as Green Deal, ECO etc. We have opted to partially fund energy efficiency through the project to
be able to quantify the benefit.
Which technique will be rolled out quickest?
We already have a good coverage of network automation so we anticipate that the modifications to allow the Flexible Network Control to
be an early success once the concept has been proven. We also expect to be utilising more substation monitoring over the next year or
two and experiences from Flexible Networks, as well as other LCNF projects has helped to highlight the value of such technology.
Similarly, voltage regulators are already utilised by some DNOs but the steps we are taking to increase the control and functionality is a
measure that can be applied more generally in the short term.
Is there a need to standardise requirements?
We think that it would be valuable to work together to standardise common components such as substation monitors so that the protocol
of the devices and the measurement approach is also the same. We intend to coordinate a meeting with the other DNOs to try to identify
commonalities in monitoring next year and how we can then share our experiences with the supply chain.
The Iberdrola Group of companies are working together to establish a common philosophy for the application of new technologies which
will enable a smart approach to automation and meet the challenge of achieving a low carbon network.
Given SAP what is the future for electric heating?
The various forms of electric heating all have a very important role to play, particularly for off gas grid customers, and this role is only
likely to increase with the de-carbonisation of the grid.
In the BRE model; are min and max loads being used?
No, the load modelling is "average". Max and Min would be difficult to model accurately hence the needs for monitoring to better
understand the nature of max/min/average.
Any room for collaboration in any other areas by other DNOs?
We would be very keen to hear from any other DNOs who would like to work with us on any of the components of Flexible Networks or
any of our other LCNF activity. We recognise that each DNO is building up their own experiences and more than one method may achieve
a successful outcome. An example of this was the discussion at the session on the different ways to evaluate the dynamic rating capacity
of transformers.
How practical is using renewable sources for volt and VAR control?
Distributed generation can make a contribution to the control of voltage and reactive power on distribution networks but it should be
appreciated that, unless additional stand-alone facilities (such as a STATCOM or an SVC) are also provided, the available voltage support
will be solely dependent upon the capability of the generators and the speed of response of their control systems. Performance
requirements in both of these areas will be defined by the grid code compliance requirements of the connection agreement for the
generators.
Also, it must be appreciated that the generation will be located where the renewable energy resource is. This may not, of course,
correspond to the point in the network that is in need of voltage control. Consenting issues will also influence where generation is located.
Use of AVR for reducing resistive load, what percentage of load is resistive?
Unfortunately, we do not have an answer on this but one of my colleagues thinks that the University of Strathclyde has done some work
in this area recently so they may be able to assist. Also, as you may recall Kevin mentioning at the event, National Grid have recently
carried out some coordinated tests to measure changes in demand resulting from the application of voltage reductions across the
network. The result from these tests will address this particular question directly.
How do you target feeders for real time monitoring to identify failing plant?
For the trial, areas of the network with voltage or thermal constraints were chosen. For the future, priority will be given to circuits that are
known to have a poor performance history or an uptake of low carbon technology. There is a requirement to select parts of the network
with actual fault incidences in order to populate the analysis model and prove the technique.
Will the load modelling processed customer data be used to improve SP data?
Actual phase loading and balance taken in real-time will enable accurate mapping of network load and its distribution. This will allow the
production of network designs, which will ensure our system is being properly utilised.
Do any of the technologies trialed have a roadmap to become business as usual?
One of the objectives of the project is to build the confidence in the solutions for it to become business as usual. We have already
proposed the network monitoring, dynamic rating and automation as technology which we will utilise in a BAU context in ED1. The use of
these are detailed in out ED1 business plan:
http://www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/serving_our_customers/business_plan.asp?NavID=1&SubNavID=8&SubSubNavID=1
What percentage of load is restive and could you use AVR for reducing that load?
A load reduction scheme using AVR control expects a 5% load reduction for a 3% voltage drop. (10% load for a 6% volt drop etc.) However
regardless of whether the load is resistive, this reduction is expected to be effective for a short period only. As the voltage drops there is a
corresponding reduction in power output, which is seen by dimming of incandescent lights and reduction in the output of electric space
heating. It doesn't take long for more lighting to be switched on, or for a thermostat to be turned up. We understand that National Grid
are currently investigating this relationship on the grid.
How essential are data architecture and comms upgrades for DNOs? How expensive?
As the demand for the recovery of remote data grows, there has to be a corresponding increase in communications infrastructure
bandwidth to handle it. The cost for the management of this data is directly proportional to how business critical it is. It is difficult to put a
definitive cost against it, however as an example; the first generation of automation radio is capable of communicating 16 digital bits at
1200 Baud, whereas the new generation developed for the LCNF Project can communicate 255 bits at 9600 Baud. However the increased
cost for this additional functionality is c.35%.
Is Real Time Thermal Rating (RTTR) to be used as a standalone tool or integrated with other technologies and tools?
We are aiming for the RTTR to be integrated with other technologies and tools as it only offers a solution for part of the time, when the
environmental conditions are appropriate. It is essential to have other interventions available which will require integration between the
different solutions.
If further information is required please contact John Moffat at [email protected]